Clippers: 3 reasons this 0-2 deficit vs. Suns is different

1. The Clippers are still without Kawhi Leonard, who is out with a knee injury

Let’s be honest: Not having your best player on the court makes any 0-2 hole almost impossible to overcome. That is what the Clippers are facing, as their superstar forward Kawhi Leonard is nursing a right knee sprain. He hasn’t played since Game 4 of the second round, and his status for the remainder of the conference finals is unknown. That alone makes this deficit the Clippers face much different.

Leonard’s ability to impact the floor on both ends is something the Clippers miss dearly. He’d be the one guarding Booker when he gets going or late in clutch moments. His 30.4 points per game average in the postseason has been the reason why LA’s made it to this point, and they could use every single one of those 30 points. Paul George has stepped up, and he deserves credit, but there is a reason why he wanted to be with Kawhi in Los Angeles.

When the Clippers were down 0-2  before, Leonard was there to help them dig out of the hole. Now he can only watch and support his team from the sidelines. Without him on the floor, LA’s chances of rebounding are very slim. What team has come back from 0-2 when their best player is hurt? It doesn’t happen often, and that’s for a reason.

The series is far from over, but things are looking dim for the LA Clippers. With the series shifting to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4, George and company better be ready, especially if Paul plays. This 0-2 hole against the Suns is a different monster, and it may be one the Clippers can’t overcome.